- The Twelve Chairs (1971)
- The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed (1979)
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (1980)
- The Dawns Here Are Quiet (1972)
- The Red Tent (1969)
- The Diamond Arm (1969)
- The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath! (1975)
- The White Sun of the Desert (1970)
- The Shield and the Sword (1968)
- The Elusive Avengers (1966)
Soviet cinema has often been associated with its political and social commentary, but there's another side to it that's equally compelling - the action-packed martial arts films. These movies not only showcase impressive fight choreography but also provide a unique glimpse into the Soviet era's take on action cinema. Here's a curated list of 10 Soviet films that will take you on a journey through the gritty, action-filled streets of the USSR, where every punch and kick tells a story.

The Twelve Chairs (1971)
Description: A comedy where the protagonists engage in various physical altercations in their quest for hidden treasure.
Fact: The film is based on the satirical novel by Ilf and Petrov, which has been adapted multiple times in different countries.


The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed (1979)
Description: This crime drama features intense fight scenes between the police and criminals, showcasing the gritty side of Soviet law enforcement.
Fact: The series was so popular that it led to a sequel, and the character of Gleb Zheglov became an iconic figure in Soviet culture.


The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (1980)
Description: While primarily a detective series, it includes several well-choreographed fight scenes, especially in episodes like "The Hound of the Baskervilles."
Fact: The series was filmed in various locations across the USSR, including Riga, which was used to represent Victorian London.


The Dawns Here Are Quiet (1972)
Description: Although primarily a war drama, the film includes intense hand-to-hand combat scenes between Soviet female soldiers and German invaders.
Fact: The film was remade in 2015, but the original remains a classic due to its powerful performances and emotional depth.


The Red Tent (1969)
Description: This film, while focusing on the rescue of Umberto Nobile, includes scenes of physical confrontations and survival in harsh conditions.
Fact: The film was a co-production with Italy, featuring international stars like Sean Connery and Claudia Cardinale.


The Diamond Arm (1969)
Description: A comedy with elements of action, where the protagonist gets entangled in a smuggling ring, leading to several humorous fight scenes.
Fact: The film was one of the highest-grossing Soviet films of all time and has become a cultural phenomenon in Russia.


The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath! (1975)
Description: While primarily a romantic comedy, it includes a memorable fight scene in a bathhouse, showcasing the comedic side of Soviet action.
Fact: This film is traditionally watched by millions of Russians every New Year's Eve.


The White Sun of the Desert (1970)
Description: This adventure film set in Central Asia features intense action sequences, including hand-to-hand combat and gunfights.
Fact: The film's theme song became extremely popular and is often associated with the Soviet era.


The Shield and the Sword (1968)
Description: A spy thriller with numerous action-packed scenes, including espionage and combat, set during World War II.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Vadim Kozhevnikov, which was inspired by real events.


The Elusive Avengers (1966)
Description: A series of films about young partisans fighting against the White Army, filled with daring action and combat scenes.
Fact: The film was so popular that it spawned two sequels, continuing the adventures of the young heroes.
